Life as an Offender - Store

Each major institution has a store where offenders can purchase personal hygiene items, food, snacks, soda, radios, televisions, postage supplies, writing materials, vitamins and other personal items. The items available at the store for purchase cannot be sent in by family or friends. Please see the “Mail” and “Personal Property” sections of this booklet for detailed information as to what can be mailed to an offender.

How can purchases be made from the store?

Each offender is allowed to make purchases from the store on specifically assigned days by submitting a store order. The offender must have funds in his or her trust account to pay for the purchases. Staff process the order and deliver items to the offender’s living unit, or other designated area, where the offender receives and signs for the items.

How are profits generated from store purchases used?

Profits from store sales are deposited to the Offender Welfare/Betterment Fund. This fund is used for the benefit of the offender population for such things as:

  • Store staff salaries and benefits.
  • Recreation supplies.
  • Recreation staff salaries and benefits.
  • Hobby craft small tools.
  • Extended Family Visit program.
  • Visiting area supplies (games for children, pictures for walls, etc.).
  • Library supplies.
  • Religious supplies.
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